U.S. biz tourism suffers on travel restrictions
U.S. business tourism suffers on travel restrictions — The United States is losing substantial numbers of business travelers to Europe because of the stringent security measures it imposes on international visitors, according to a report by a tourism industry group released Monday. (AP)
Several carriers boost fares by $10 per round trip — Several major carriers, led by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines Inc., are raising many U.S. fares by $10 per round trip, including business fares and advance-purchase tickets bought by leisure travelers. (AP)
Four Seasons gets $3.7 billion offer — Investors including Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal have joined forces with the Four Seasons Hotels’ CEO in a plan to take the hotel chain private for $3.7 billion, or $82 per share, in cash.
Web sites serving up Thanksgiving travel ideas — Thanksgiving isn’t just at Grandma’s house anymore. These days, there are lots of possibilities, and a little surfing on the Web will help you pick one that suits your fancy. (AP)
Shhh! Silversea’s Whisper is wonderful — Just back from an 11-day cruise of Egypt and Jordan aboard Silversea’s luxury ship Silver Whisper, columnist Anita Dunham-Potter reports on champagne, caviar and the pleasures of personalized service. (Anita Dunham-Potter on Tripso)
Gasoline hits 2006 low — As U.S. gasoline prices hit a 2006 low, OPEC President Edmund Daukoru said Monday that the oil cartel may need to cut crude oil production further this year to deal with an oversupply in the market. (AP)
Spending time, not killing it, on a layover — In an effort to capitalize on unwelcome downtime between connecting flights, hotels and travel companies are selling what they call layover tours and stopover packages. (The New York Times) (Registration required.)
Cell phone users dial, and some cruise lines are picking up — Major lines are moving toward service when out to sea, but beware of high international roaming charges. (The Los Angeles Times) (Registration required.)
Russian Tea Room reopens — On Friday, the Russian Tea Room opens yet again, after a more than $19 million takeover and makeover. The new owner is real estate developer Gerald Lieblich. (AP)
Tai chi on Deck C: A relaxing way to a more shipshape you — All cruise vacations aren’t sedentary, eat-cake-at-midnight affairs. These days, most major lines offer fitness-themed sailings that suggest ways to stay active while providing you with information to improve your body and soul. (The Los Angeles Times) (Registration required.)
Toddler gets travel ban, arrest warrant: paper — A two-year-old boy was briefly banned from boarding a Turkey-bound flight in the United Arab Emirates after his name appeared on a list of wanted suspects, a newspaper reported Saturday. (AP)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.